Knowing the correct type of generator to buy for your home or business can be hard. You have to consider many factors, the most important being the power needs of your appliances and electronics.
Many people opt for a propane-powered generator because it’s easier on the environment. However, there are other factors that you need to consider when purchasing one, including cost and fuel supply.
While propane generators are much leaner on the environment than gasoline or diesel generators, they also tend to cost more. Propane fuel is also tough to find when in a survival situation because it’s not as popular as diesel fuel.
Choosing between a propane-powered generator and a diesel generator really depends on your specific needs.
A propane-powered generator is ideal for people who:
• Have RVs and boats that can run on propane and don’t need more than 1,500 watts of power.
• Need to power equipment that only runs on propane (such as camping stoves). Boost their power needs to over 1,500 watts.
A diesel generator is ideal for people who:
• Need to power tools and appliances that use a lot of electricity (such as an electric well pump).
• Want, or need, more than 1,500 watts of power (which is available in all medium-duty propane generators).
• Live in an area where propane fuel is hard to find.
• Don’t mind spending a little more for fuel and having easy diesel access, which is generally cheaper than gasoline or propane.
Be sure to carefully read your generator’s specifications before choosing a fuel type. Most generators will only run on a kind of fuel, but a few models allow you to switch between propane and diesel.
It’s important to remember that even though propane and diesel generators are much cleaner than gasoline-powered ones, they’re still not environmentally friendly due to the fuel combustion process. However, no matter what type of generator you use, it can’t be as harmful to the environment as a gasoline-powered one. Know what you need when choosing between diesel and propane generators. If you need to power small appliances like an upright freezer or well pump, then propane is the way to go. On the other hand, if you need more than 1,500 watts of power and live in an area where it’s hard to find propane, then diesel fuel is probably your best bet.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. So, be sure you read your generator’s specs and understand its limitations before deciding.
Diesel or propane: Which is better?
The answer is, it depends on what you need it for.
For smaller appliances and electronics, propane is the way to go.
If you need more than 1,500 watts of power or live in an area where it’s hard to find propane, then diesel fuel is probably your best bet.
No one ever wants to use a generator, but sometimes you’ve got to. It’s those times that you need to be sure you’ve got the right equipment. The right generator will depend on your needs, so take some time and think about what you want out of it.